I returned with the same caution which I had used in descending; my feet were bare, so that it was easy to proceed unattended by the smallest signal of my progress.
I had reached the carpeted staircase, and was slowly ascending, when I heard, within the chamber that was occupied by the lady, a noise, as of some one moving.

Though not conscious of having acted improperly, yet I felt reluctance to be seen.

There was no reason to suppose that this sound was connected with the detection of me in this situation; yet I acted as if this reason existed, and made haste to pass the door and gain the second flight of steps.
I was unable to accomplish my design, when the chamber door slowly opened, and Welbeck, with a light in his hand, came out.

I was abashed and disconcerted at this interview.

He started at seeing me; but, discovering in an instant who it was, his face assumed an expression in which shame and anger were powerfully blended.